RG870 - good sister guitar for JEM7v?

Hi,

I'm after a decent 'sister' guitar for the JEM7v. I've been selling older Ibanezes as part of a guitar consolidation, and my local store has an RG870 in stock -- which is a Premium so could be about right as a backup.

Re: RG870 - good sister guitar for JEM7v?

I tried out a couple of 870s.

Played well enough, but both had set-up problems which concerned me, considering the premium price point. The first had a fretting problem with high E on the second fret, where it would catch on the third fret. Everything else okay, but that sort of fret issue should have been caught in QC.

Second had buzzing all over the shop on the low E and A strings.

Shop offered to get them set up, but it would mean waiting a week, and I'm afraid I'm not that patient when shopping for a guitar.

The fretboard on both was interesting too. Seemed quite.... raw... compared to other Ibanezes I have played?

Re: RG870 - good sister guitar for JEM7v?

Most "off the shelf" guitars need a proper setup anyway.
The 870 is a good guitar for the money, and is very playable when set up.
If you're buying new--consider Rich, and have him do one of his packages on it.
Or, since in the UK--try Max Cottam.

Re: RG870 - good sister guitar for JEM7v?

One week is nothing...Put on some coffe and drink it and before you know it one week is gone. During the time you could play your JEM. The RG3120 is a nice guitar with HH pickup config. They are around to be found used. But on the other hand once in a while it's really nice to order a new guitar.

Re: RG870 - good sister guitar for JEM7v?

well, the jem is alder. nothing in ibanez's roster has the prototypical rg/jem features and incorporates alder as a body wood. the closest thing would be the USRG20/30 or the RG570CT, both of which are scarce models and discontinued.